NEWS FROM THE WORKSHOP
2026 SEASON UPGRADES
by Chad Meek
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The Meek construction is an ultra lightweight, relatively stiff blade, designed to maximise power transfer. Every piece of cloth has a very specific performance purpose.
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The beautiful thing about handcrafting the blades and not being limited by a factory production line, is that I can constantly tweek the lay-up. Not a season goes by where I am not changing something about the cloth I use, the direction of the fibres or the placement of layers. I do this based on feedback and my own observations and growth as a manufacturer.
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In the 2026 lay-up I have:
1. Added additional strength for back bracing on big waves by changing the direction of fibres on the back of the blade.
​2. Added some shaft strength/thickness under the hand area.
3. And for aesthetics, made visible the uni-directional carbon that was hidden underneath the surface layers. I love this feature as it really shows just some of the elements that go into the paddle.
These features combined with the raw carbon finish on the inside of the blade, make the 2025 upgrades a blend of lightweight performace, strength and beauty. I hope you enjoy!
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Chad Meek
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The Production Story of the Meek Blade
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In performance-based manufacturing, strength and lightness come from balance. The goal is not simply to add more material, but to achieve an optimal relationship between carbon fibre and resin. The fibres must be fully wetted to reach their strength potential, while excess resin only adds unnecessary weight. Many common paddle construction methods leave surplus resin in the finished blade.
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By adopting production techniques used in other high-performance industries, we were able to change this. The result is a more precise cloth-to-resin ratio and a significantly lighter blade. This adjustment alone reduced weight by 40–50 grams per blade, around a 20% saving. It is a subtle change on paper, but a noticeable one in how a paddle feels and responds on the water.
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From there, we began exploring how surface finish influences water feel. Some experienced paddlers had long sanded their blades to improve feedback and connection with the water. We decided to investigate this properly. We tested different surface textures on both the front and back of the blade and experimented with changes to the internal finish. After months of testing, this led us to adopt a raw carbon surface on the inside of the blade, creating a more connected and responsive feel without compromising strength.
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Development at Meek is always ongoing. We listen to feedback, study other manufacturing disciplines, and allow our designs to evolve naturally. At every step, strength remains non-negotiable. Over time, we have added reinforcement in areas that experience the greatest loads, including the blade lip, tips, and neck. In 2025, additional carbon was introduced to improve protection during back bracing in heavy surf conditions.
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The result is a blade that balances lightness, durability, and refined feedback. Weight reduction, surface finish, and structural strength work together to create the feel we have been working toward for many years.
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This lay-up has exceeded even our own expectations on the water. It feels precise, responsive, and composed under load. We are proud of how it performs, and we hope it brings the same quiet confidence and enjoyment to your paddling as it has to ours.
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